Bismarck, N.D. — The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announced in March that Dr. John Hamilton, of Williston, N.D., is its new board chair.

ACS CAN is the national advocacy affiliate for the American Cancer Society. Dr. Hamilton "will provide leadership and implement corporate strategies for ACS CAN, which supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem," ACS CAN said in a news release.

"Dr. Hamilton has a deep and abiding commitment to the impact cancer has on the lives of all Americans, and is an unrelenting champion of policies that will help us get the upper hand on this devastating disease," said ACS CAN President Chris Hansen in a news release.

Dr. Hamilton is a long-time volunteer with the American Cancer Society at the local and the national levels. He has been awarded the St. George National Medal, recognizing outstanding volunteer leadership in furthering the society's strategic goals and programs.

In a news release, Dr. Hamilton said his involvement with the organization comes partially from a personal experience with cancer. "Almost 4,000 of my fellow North Dakotans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, and about 1,270 residents will die from it. My wife is a breast cancer survivor, so I know firsthand the profound impact cancer has on people's lives. That's why I'm passionate about fighting for these important policies to save future lives from cancer."